Response: Government Art Collection
Published 15 January 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foi202500259-government-art-collection-a-list-of-artwork-removed-from-nos-91011-and-12-downing-street/response-government-art-collection
| Reference number | FOI2025-00259 |
|---|---|
| Date of request | 11 January 2025 |
| Date of response | 12 March 2025 |
| Outcome | Granted in full |
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport received the following request for information which we responded to under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:
“Please provide me with the following recorded information in relation to works of art in the Government Art Collection:
(1) a list of the names and reference numbers of works that have been removed from 9 Downing Street since the general election;
(2) a list of the names and reference numbers of works that have been removed from 10 Downing Street since the general election;
(3) a list of the names and reference numbers of works that have been removed from 11 Downing Street since the general election;
(4) a list of the names and reference numbers of works that have been removed from 12 Downing Street since the general election;”
1. Our response
We have dealt with your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I can confirm that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport does have information within scope of your request. Works of art removed from Cabinet Office and His Majesty’s Treasury from 4 July 2024 until 13 January 2025 can be found in the attached spreadsheet. There were no artworks de-installed from 9 Downing Street in this timeframe.
Works of art are selected for display in representational areas of UK Government buildings by representatives of each department in consultation with the Government Art Collection staff. The Government Art Collection GAC promotes British art, culture and creativity through displays in UK Government buildings worldwide. It is the most widely distributed collection of British art, with displays in over 125 countries, and makes an important contribution to the UK’s cultural diplomacy through being seen by thousands of visitors to these buildings each year.